Liverpool-based Human Magic has been bought out of administration in a pre-pack deal after struggling with challenging economic conditions.
Ben Woodthorpe and Simon Jagger of S&W Partners were appointed joint administrators on 13th October 2025, before completing the sale of the company’s business and assets to HMNMGC Ltd, a related party.
The deal guarantees continuity for the global employer brand agency’s 30 UK-based staff, all of whom have transferred to the new entity under TUPE (transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulations.
The business had undergone a major transformation in recent years, rebranding from PH Creative in 2024 and expanding internationally through acquisitions.
This included Manchester-based Tap In and the employer branding arm of Sydney agency Eloquent.
Its operations spanned the UK, US, the Middle East and Australia.
However, according to S&W, macroeconomic headwinds and rising costs significantly weakened the firm’s financial performance in the first half of 2025.
Despite efforts to restructure and cut costs, the business was unable to return to profitability.
Human Magic chief executive, Mark Hardwicke, told Insider Media: “It is no secret that the whole industry is feeling the pinch.
“The difficult decision to restructure was taken to ensure the long-term viability of Human Magic as a global agency and to underpin our continued growth from a firm foundation.”